Let’s face it, it’s unlikely that any comic you read this week will come close to capturing the amazing feeling you just got from watching Guardians of the Galaxy. I’ve already watched it twice in theaters (tearing up both times) and I can’t remember the last time I saw such a perfect movie, let alone comic movie. There are, however, a number of GotG related titles out this week, that you can use to fill all the time you have where you can’t watch Guardians of the Galaxy on repeat.

Rocket Raccoon #2

Everything done by Skottie Young

So, assuming you’re a normal human being, Rocket has probably stolen your heart. The little fuzzball is tragic, cynical, loyal, and hilarious – all of which come together in the current series by Skottie Young. I could tell you the plot of the current arc, but does it really matter? Don’t you just want more of this gun-toting maniac in your life?

Legendary Star-Lord #2

Writer: Sam Humphries Artist: Paco Medina

So, Peter’s been captured by a bounty-hunter (go figure) and has to finegle his way out of the situation. Nothing new for the notorious Star Lord. The fun of this series right now is watching how silly/stupid Peter can be when the rest of his GotG pals aren’t around. Seriously though.

Thanos: The Infinity Revelation

Creator: Jim Starlin

The recent movie didn’t show off just how crazy scary Thanos actually is – but you can learn for yourself in this hard cover original graphic novel from Thanos creator Jim Starlin. While I typically don’t enjoy reading about villains for pleasure, the twisted Mad-Titan snares me every time.

Writer: Nathan Edmondson Artist: Phil Noto

Back to our regularly scheduled programming, Black Widow is having a cross-over with the Punisher. I’m pretty sure it won’t lead to a more in-depth understanding of Black Widow and her life, but it will probably lead to mayhem. Sometimes you just need a little mayhem in your comics. Plus, I can’t imagine the Punisher has ever looked better, with Phil Noto still leading the art. It’s a fun romp.

Moon Knight #6

This cover of Moon Knight gives away the least amount of information about the series yet. Bravo. This is the last issue for Ellis, Shalvey and Bellaire so you definitely want to read it. Like really, when a creative team of superstars comes together for a weird book like Moon Knight, you have to read it.

She-Hulk #7

Writer: Charles Soule Artist: Javier Pulido Cover Artist: Kevin Wada

Every so often, it’s fun to have a shrinking story in comics. Plus, the look on Hellcat’s face on the cover is priceless.

Madame Frankenstein #4

In this issue of Madame Frankenstine, the lady monster gets to go on her first big outing! Between the carnivale, burlesque dancers, and speak-easy, it’s everything I wish my first public outing could have been. Of course there’s bound to be trouble when taking your pet monster out for the first time, but who cares?

Lazarus #10

Writer: Greg Rucka Artist: Michael Lark

So you’ve been hearing about this awesome Lazarus comic, but you haven’t yet made the jump. As a stand alone issue following Jonah Carlyle’s failed attempt at family-coup, this is the perfect issue to jump on. You’ll learn what happens when you desert your Family, and watch Jonah get his just desserts.

Graphic Novels and Trade Paperbacks

For those of you who are interested in something meatier than a single comic issue, here are some excellent collections coming out this week.

Trillium TP

Creator: Jeff Lemire

As reality is unraveling, two intrepid explorers fall in love from opposite ends of the space-time continuum. It’s literally the LAST love-story of the universe. Reading this series as the issues came out was killer, with cliff-hangers galore. Do yourself a favor and grab the story in full, savoring the last moments of the universe.

Complete ElfQuest TP

Creators: Wendy Pini and Richard Pini

You know the feeling you get when you read The Hobbit? Young Bilbo’s young adventures are filled with an innocence and purity of heart that gets lost in the darker Lord of the Rings trilogy. You can get that feeling back with Elf Quest. The series follows Chief Cutter and the Wolfriders as they navigate the ever-changing terrain of the land searching for a new home. This volume collects the first 20 issues, giving you a rare treat of starting this epic story from the beginning, and falling in love with classic fantasy all over again.